'Climate Refugees' - centerpiece film at the United Nations’ Climate Summit in Copenhagen - screens in Sedona

Meet the director and producer who will present the film and host Q&A discussions

The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the exclusive Arizona premiere of the multiple-award-winning documentary “Climate Refugees” on Tuesday, Aug. 24. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres. The film is part of the festival’s Tuesday “Best of Fest” and “Docs That Make a Difference” Cinema Series.

“Climate Refugees” was the centerpiece film at the United Nations’ Climate Summit in Copenhagen last December and has premiered in dozens of film festivals around the world to rave critical response and overwhelming audience reaction. Actor and Sundance founder, Robert Redford called the film “an agent for social change” after its premiere at his festival.

The film’s writer/director Michael Nash and producer Justin Hogan will be in Sedona to present the film and host Q&A discussions following both screenings.

“Climate Refugees” is an important and timely documentary film that uncovers the unbelievable plight of people around the world displaced by climatically-induced environmental disasters. The film illuminates — for the first time — the human face of climate change as civilization now finds itself, facing the confluence of overpopulation, lack of resources and a changing climate.

Traveling the world and interviewing several of the 25 million climate refugees now on the run, along with scholars, politicians and the like, “Climate Refugees” brings to light the heart-wrenching truth of what is quickly becoming mankind’s greatest challenge. The film examines the creation — and migration — of hundreds of millions of climate refugees that will be displaced as a result of climate change. A cautionary tale, the film demonstrates that climate change isn't a political issue; it's a geopolitical one, one that literally transcends the concepts of nationhood and ethnicity. In this situation, we truly are all one people.

“Climate Refugees” was film around the globe in Bangladesh, Belgium, Chad, China, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Kenya, Maldives, Poland, Switzerland, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Climate change is the threat multiplier for overpopulation, over-consumption and lack of natural resources. Our mission is to create a platform that will illuminate the facts about climate refugees, their lack of international protection, our national security issues and solutions to these civilization-altering issues,” said writer/director Michael Nash.

Sherri Quinn, from National Public Radio says “Climate Refugees” is a “resounding wake‐up call for every human being to go green immediately. It is a must‐see film that puts the human soul in the science of climate change.”

“With leading researchers and high profile political figures, ‘Climate Refugees’ presents a swell of compelling opinion about the challenges such change puts on the global populations,” said Peter Debruge from Variety.

Some high-profile figures featured in the film include: President Barack Obama, Al Gore, John Kerry, Desmond Tutu, Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich and many others.

The title sponsor for the event is Mary Fisher. The lodging host sponsor is Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona and the Sedona Community Foundation.

“Climate Refugees” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Sedona members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 1785 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite 2B, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.